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Board places homeless outreach funds in reserve, approves $1.4M supplemental amid calls for broader strategy
Summary
Supervisors approved a targeted supplemental appropriation to expand the Department of Public Health's homeless outreach team, placing the funds in full-board reserve for a detailed plan. The measure passed 10-1 after supervisors pressed for a broader strategy and an implementation work group.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to approve a targeted supplemental appropriation of approximately $1,400,000 from general fund reserves to the Department of Public Health for homeless outreach services, placing the funds on full-board reserve and directing further planning and a work group to refine implementation.
The vote: After a broad policy debate on timing, oversight and the scope of homelessness investments, supervisors approved the measure by a roll call tally of 10 ayes and 1 no. The board earlier agreed, by motion, to place the funds in full-board reserve so supervisors could review a detailed plan before spending.
What the supplemental would do: The measure is intended to expand the city's Homeless Outreach Team (HOTT / HAWK), adding field capacity and more clinical staff ' including nurses and psychiatric specialists ' and to increase shelter and stabilization bed options for people living on the street. Supervisor Mark Farrell, who sponsored the supplemental, said it would "significantly increase the capacity of our homeless outreach team, adding up to 2 new teams, immediately," and would pair outreach with additional shelter options.
Board debate and concerns: Several supervisors supported the targeted investment but warned it should fit into a comprehensive strategy. Supervisor Jane Kim asked that the supplemental be considered within the broader budget process because the appropriation would annualize; Kim said annualizing the current one-time increase would cost an estimated $6.3 million. Supervisor John Avalos, Supervisor David Campos and others urged formation of a working group to ensure investments are paired with backend housing and medical services. Supervisor Aaron Peskin (and others) pressed for assurances about contracting with qualified shelter operators and for cultural competency in staffing.
Reserve motion: Supervisor David Campos said many board members wanted to see detailed implementation plans before funds are spent. Supervisor Phil Cohen moved that the funds be placed on the full-board reserve so the entire board could review the department's detailed plan; Supervisor Farrell seconded. "These funds go to the full-board reserves so that we can all have an opportunity to discuss a detailed plan," Cohen said. The board approved that motion without objection.
Final action: The supplemental ordinance was then amended as described (funds to full-board reserve) and adopted on first reading and final vote as amended by a 10-1 roll call.
Why it matters: City officials and advocates say increased outreach and stabilization beds are necessary to engage chronically homeless people, provide medical and behavioral health support and reduce public-safety impacts. Opponents cautioned that outreach without a full menu of housing and services will not be sufficient and emphasized the need for contract oversight, cultural competency and tracking of outcomes.
Next steps: The sponsor and city staff committed to form a working group of DPH staff, outreach team members, supervisors' offices, advocates and service providers to develop a spending plan and oversight provisions; board placement of the funds on full-board reserve gives the full Board an opportunity to review that plan before money is released.
